You have been hearing about this kid everytime the Sox are in trade rumors for a player. He has great command, but his "stuff" is average. We all know you can get by without nasty stuff if you can command the strikezone affectivly (think Greg Maddux). Still, I am not as high on this guy as a lot of writers are. I see his stuff a lot like how I see Paul Byrd. Yes, he will not walk people, and loves to battle, but he scares me playing at Fenway. I feel that in Fenway Park you do need that "stuff" to become a top of the line pitcher for the Sox. I think in the NL, or a bigger ballpark, this could could be a very good #2, or #3 starter, but I have to say I would give this kid up over Buchholz anyday, just because I believe that Buchholz has a much high ceiling.
I also worry about this kid getting hurt. I have read 3 different reports on him that says he relies on his "arm strength" rather then the tourque of his body. That could mean that his arm/shoulder will wear down over time. I think he will be a very good MLB pitcher, but much like the man he is being compared to (Jeff Suppan), I just don't see him being affective pitcher at Fenway.
No comments:
Post a Comment